Whistleblower and Respondent Obligations and Protections
NC State's administrative regulation 10.00.2 requires reporting of observed, suspected, or apparent research misconduct. Below is a summary of obligations of whistleblowers and reference material for whistleblower protection.
Whistleblower Obligations:
- The Research Integrity Officer encourages concerned individuals to report observed, suspected, or apparent research misconduct to the senior administrator responsible for research programs within the college, school or unit where the respondent is employed/appointed (4.1.1).
- Upon receipt of a complaint, the senior administrator should counsel the complainant of the regulation and, discuss the nature of the complaint and direct the whistleblower to the appropriate administrative officer of the institution.
- Cases that involve student cheating, including falsification, fabrication and plagiarism on class assignments are referred to the Student Misconduct Officer.
- Cases that meet all of the following are referred to the Research Integrity Officer named below:
- The complaint involves falsification, fabrication or plagiarism committed while...
- During the proposing, conduct or reporting of research where...
- Research is the systematic investigation designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge
- Whistleblowers will be responsible to provide an assessment of the allegations and substantive assistance in the compilation of supporting evidence once the Research Integrity Officer is involved.
- Whistleblowers must be prepared to meet with the Research Integrity Officer and where necessary an inquiry or investigative board.
- Whistleblowers must maintain the confidentiality of the case at all times.
Whistleblower Protections:
NC State is committed to protecting the whistleblowers from retaliatory behavior and to afford anyone with information about observed, suspected or apparent research misconduct an free environment to share such concerns. As such, the institution subscribes, although it has not formally adopted through administrative policy, the Office of Research Integrity's Whistleblower Bill of Rights. Below are links to this and other resources concerning whistleblowers:
Whistleblower Resources
Following articles are available in .PDF format at http://poynter.indiana.edu/links.shtml#SEE.
Respondent's Obligations and Protections (adapted from PHS-ORI website):
Most allegations of research misconduct are not substantiated. Nevertheless, respondents should take such allegations seriously because they can have a negative effect on research careers. When accused of research misconduct, a respondent should
- review the NC State University Regulation on Responding to Allegations of Possible Research Misconduct (10.00.2),
- gather documentation and identify witnesses,
- consider whether an advisor, expert, or counsel is needed,
- avoid actions which are or could be perceived as, retaliatory against the whistleblower,
- and maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings.
In responding to an allegation, NC State's regulation provides the respondent with confidential treatment to the maximum extent possible,
- an opportunity to comment on allegations and findings,
- a copy of the inquiry report for comment,
- a prompt and thorough investigation,
- a copy of the investigation report for comment,
- and a diligent effort, as appropriate, to restore the reputation of the respondent if the allegation is not confirmed.
Who is NC State University's Research Integrity Officer?
- Matthew Ronning, Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of SPARCS serves as the NC State University Research Integrity Officer. He can be reached by e-mail at matt_ronning@ncsu.edu or via phone at 919-513-2148.
- Debra Paxton, Regulatory Compliance Administrator serves as an Associate Research Integrity Officer. She can be reached by e-mail at debra_paxton@ncsu.edu or by phone at 919-515-4514.
- Richard Best, Compliance Officer for Integrity, Objectivity and Security serves as an Associate Research Integrity Officer. He can be reached by e-mail at richard_best@ncsu.edu or via phone at 919-513-8226.
